Friday, September 9 2005 10:18 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: A leading Democrat in the House of Representatives said yesterday (Sept 8, 2005) any failure by India to support US policies on strategic issues could endanger the proposed expansion of nuclear and security cooperation with that country.

Rep. Tom Lantos, the ranking Democrat on the House International Relations Committee, took exception to what he said was Indian opposition to a key element of US policy toward Iran.

"New Delhi must understand how important their cooperation is and support is for US initiatives to counter the nuclear threat from Iran," said Lantos.

He spoke at a committee hearing that marked the kickoff of administration efforts to win congressional approval of the July 18 agreement on civil nuclear cooperation between the United States and India.

He said the Indian position on Iran was stated in recent days by Indian Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran. He quoted Saran as saying, "India's relations with Iran are not predicated on positions and views attributed to some governments."

Lantos said the comment represented a rejection of the US effort to have Iran's uranium enrichment policies taken up by the UN Security Council with a view toward sanctions against the Islamic government.

Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns told the committee the administration is seeking clarification from the Indian government on Saran's comment.

Joining Burns in presenting the administration position was a fellow under secretary of state, Robert Joseph. He acknowledged that Saran's comment was 'disconcerting.'

Lantos insisted that is he supportive of the July 18 agreement between President Bush and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh but only if the United States can count on India's support on major international issues.